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Jessie Lyle
M.A. Psychology, Art Therapy with Mental Health Counseling, 2007
 Before she found Antioch, Jessie Lyle was a self-employed visual artist and designer. She began to rethink her life after processing some significant losses. With her life transitions, she wanted to expand and grow her skills so she could give back more to the community.
Today, Lyle is an art therapist at Kline Galland Home, a skilled nursing facility for Jewish elders, where she is able to integrate theory and practice with community action.
"I am deeply moved by the existential challenges that confront individuals who are facing significant losses or end of life issues. I am continually reminded of how giving back can balance loss.
"I have always had core values of community engagement and social justice. Antioch was a good fit for me for that reason."
"Part of my work has become running a women's group that enables elder women with significant physical and cognitive decline to still remain vital in the role they play in the community. As I support their efforts, so I am healed by my own work and efforts," she describes.
"I wouldn't have the job I have without the degree I got from Antioch. Need I say more? Antioch absolutely contributed to the success I have in my career."
Lyle says she initially chose Antioch because it offered the only Art Therapy concentration in the Seattle area.
"As I learned more about the program and started to meet faculty, I felt particularly lucky that a program that so specifically met my needs was being offered where I chose to live," she notes.
"I have always had core values of community engagement and social justice. Antioch was a good fit for me for that reason. I continue on that path and am grateful for what I learned at Antioch that enhanced those core values.
"Today at my job, I am following the tasks of my job description as an art therapist while also finding the time to work actively in support of a facility-wide culture change program."
When she recalls her time at Antioch, here's one of her best memories: "Working with fellow students in a context of therapeutic role play and discovering that it is real therapy."
She shares a few suggestions with prospective students.
"I recommend Antioch thoroughly, but do not expect your education to be spoon fed to you. "Know what you want and follow your path with great energy while staying open to the unexpected. Be proactive," Lyle says.
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